World Braces for Economic Warfare as Top Global Threat in 2026

World Braces for Economic Warfare as Top Global Threat in 2026 A new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified "geoeconomic warfare" as the most severe and immediate threat to global stability over the next two years [49991]. The warning signals a world where nations are increasingly weaponizing trade, supply chains, and investment in their strategic rivalries, creating a volatile environment that overshadows other dangers. The WEF's latest Global Risks Report states that geopolitical competition is forcing countries into direct economic confrontation, which now ranks above all other global risks [49991]. This shift marks a decisive move away from cooperative international frameworks toward a more fragmented and contested economic landscape. The short-term outlook is dominated by three interconnected threats: intense geopolitical rivalry, the rapid spread of misinformation, and severe social and political polarization [49991]. Analysts warn that these forces are combining to create a precarious global environment where economic tools are used as primary instruments of state power. This assessment comes as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns the global economy is at a critical "turning point," grappling with persistent inflation, high debt levels, and the pressures of fragmentation [126881]. The IMF's managing director has detailed these challenges, emphasizing the risks to financial stability and growth. The findings will be a central topic at the WEF's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, next week, where global leaders will confront a landscape defined by economic conflict [49991]. Geoeconomic Warfare Named Top Global Threat for 2026 IMF Chief Warns: Global Economy at a "Turning Point"